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jz . S ~n,n e i`o~" July 17, 2003 Division of Minerals and Geology 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 ObJe`'~-`''"' RECEIVEp JUl 2 1 ZG03 `~~ Division ~f Minerals and Geology RE: Halderson Sand and Gravel Mine (File No. M-2003-037) Ladies and Gentlemen: I am writing to express my concern over a proposed sand and gravel mine on Spring Creek Mesa near Montrose, Colorado. My husband and I own property adjacent to the proposed mine and we have a number of concerns about the mine. I work as a regional manager of a home respiratory company. The quality of air is very important to my patients. Very small changes in the air can cause significant difficulties for my patients. Dust in the air can have a huge impact on my patients' ability to breathe. This gravel pit will be located on top of the mesa, where the prevailing winds can spread the dust across the valley. I know of at least eight respiratory patients who would possibly be affected by dust from this mine. I realize that mine operators are required to keep dust from blowing. The problem is, by the time I can report the problem and someone responds, the damage may already be done. I am concerned that the budgets for enforcement have been cut and this could have serious impacts on my patients. I am also concerned about the water issues the pit represents. This pit is located on the northern end of Spring Creek Mesa. Water flows from south to north in this area. We live south of the proposed mine and part of our property includes a draw that is approximately 30 feet deep. The draw is very wet and marshy during the spring and summer due to irrigation runoff and seasonal springs. It is much drier during the winter months. Halderson is proposing to mine his land from north to south and farm the southern half until the mine moves south. Since water runs from south to north and since our 30-foot deep draw has water all summer, I am concerned that Halderson's pit (40 to 60 feet deep) will have lots of water during the summer. Halderson's application indicates this will be a dry pit. We have not been shown the soil tests that would support this claim. His claims seem to make no sense. We are requesting that you require Halderson to prove his claim of a dry pit or to actually monitor the water during the irrigation season to determine if his claim is accurate.